- The top streamers on Twitch, Amazon’s streaming platform, are some of the most influential gamers in the world.
- Each of Twitch’s 10 most popular channels commands millions of viewers and can earn tens of thousands of dollars from sponsorships, subscriptions, and viewer donations.
- Reaching the top of Twitch often means dedicating tons of time to popular games like “Fortnite,” and “League of Legends,” but the most successful streamers have been able to carry their audience to different games.
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Amazon’s streaming service Twitch has become one of the most important platforms in the video game industry.
It’s a place where players can build community with each other, celebrate the hottest games, and learn about the newest online trends.
Millions of viewers tune in every day for completely different reasons; some watch to improve their own play, while others simply enjoy the entertainment that comes from watching their favorite players. Twitch is home to individual players, game publishers, and esports organizations, and every type of creator makes use of the platform in different ways.
The most successful streamers on Twitch command millions of viewers and can parlay their popularity into business opportunities. Some publishers are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to have their game on a top stream for a handful of hours. Beyond sponsorships, popular streamers can also earn a living from paid subscriptions and viewer donations.
Reaching the top of Twitch often means dedicating tons of time to the most popular games, like "Fortnite," and "League of Legends," but a handful of successful streamers have been able to build an audience that's willing to follow them from game to game.
These are the 10 most popular channels on Twitch, based on their follower counts:
Honorable mention: Ninja — 14.7 million followers
Ninja is the most famous professional gamer in the world, with nearly twice as many followers as the second-most-popular streamer on Twitch. While his rise to stardom is closely tied to "Fortnite," he's been competing in different first-person shooters for more than a decade.
However on August 1, 2019, Ninja announced that he would stop streaming on Twitch as a part of an exclusive partnership with Microsoft's Mixer streaming platform. Now that he's left Twitch, we've moved him out of the number one spot.
10. Dr. Lupo — 3.58 million followers
Dr. Lupo is a Nebraska-based streamer who's best known for playing "Fortnite." He talked to Business Insider about what led him to become a professional video game player.
9. TSM| Daequan — 3.71 million followers
Daequan of Team Solo Mid has won multiple "Fortnite" invitational events, and has dedicated time to games like "Overwatch," "Destiny," and "GunZ the Duel" in the past.
8. Dr. Disrespect — 3.71 million followers
If the mustache and mullet don't make it obvious, Dr. Disrespect one of the most outrageous characters on Twitch.
He specializes in first-person shooting games like "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds," "Apex Legends," and "Call of Duty," and enjoys entertaining viewers with his macho persona.
7. Summit1g — 3.97 million followers
While he's well-known for first-person shooters, Summit1g has recently spent most of his stream time playing "World of Warcraft," with a mix of games like "Grand Theft Auto V" and Sea of Thieves" for fun. He's also been trying the new first-person shooter "Splitgate: Arena Warfare."
6. Tim the Tatman — 4.04 million followers
Like many of the top streamers, TimTheTatman is best known for playing "Fortnite," but he also mixes in casual play sessions for games like "World of Warcraft," "Brawl Stars," and "Overwatch."
5. Riot Games — 4.07 million followers
Riot Games' "League of Legends" is one of the most popular games in the world and its esports leagues attract millions of viewers around the world.
4. dakotaz — 4.08 million followers
Dakotaz is another skilled "Fortnite" player with a history in other PC shooters like "PlayerUnknown Battlegrounds."
Unlike most popular streamers, dakotaz doesn't show his face on camera while playing.
3. TSM| Myth — 5.1 million followers
Myth is the captain of Team Solo Mid's "Fortnite" squad, one of the most successful organizations playing competitive "Fortnite."
2. shroud — 6.45 million followers
Shroud is a veteran in the world of professional gaming, with experience in "CounterStrike," "Rainbow Six Siege," "Call of Duty," and "Apex Legends."
1. Tfue — 7.01 million followers
Tfue is the one of the highest-earning "Fortnite" players of all-time, having won more than $500,000 playing the game. Earlier this year sued his former team, FaZe Clan, over a player contract he claims is illegal.
Tfue is known for his casual streaming style, and while he was with FaZe Clan he appeared in the team's popular YouTube vlogs.